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Aug 15, 2011

Ascension, Houston, Donates More than One Ton of Rice, Beans

Ascension Beans and Rice
The Rev. Robert Wareing and new rector, the Rev. Todd Bryant

Members of Ascension, Houston, collected more than one ton of beans and rice for West Houston Assistance Ministries to help feed hungry families in West Houston.

 

The impromptu food drive was born two weeks ago out of a conversation with the congregation. The Rev. Robert Wareing, interim rector at Ascension, was giving a sermon on how Jesus Christ fed the multitude with five loaves of bread and two fish.

 

“I bought three bags of beans and rice,” said Wareing. “I asked what would happened if that same miracle could be repeated today.”

 

Church members took up the challenge and donations have been pouring in ever since. As a gentle reminder, Wareing placed the growing collection in front of the altar.

 

“I put the bags of rice and beans in front for everyone to see and they responded,” said Wareing.

 

Wareing estimates the final total could far exceed a ton. The collected food will be distributed to families across West Houston served by the organization. Ascension is one of WHAM’s eight governing churches.

 

“We are moved by the outpouring of generosity from our friends at Ascension,” said Selena Nimchan, Food Pantry Supervisor at WHAM. “But even despite the enormous amount collected, the need still remains for other kinds of food to feed those who are hungry.”

 

More than 10,000 people have been fed through WHAM’s food pantry this year. The food pantry is always in need of other staples including: canned vegetables, noodles, potatoes, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, and small bags of flour, oil or sugar.

 

Wareing says he has been deeply moved by the outpouring of donations from the congregation. He has served as interim rector at Ascension for eleven months. This weekend he turns over the reins of the church to the new Rector, the Rev. Todd Bryant.

 

“I am delighted to come to a church committed to serving others in the name of Christ,” said Bryant.

 

For more information on how you can help out, call the Ascension Episcopal Church office at 713-781-1330 or email secretary@ascensionhouston.org. Or if you would like to host a food drive for WHAM, contact Selena Nimchan, Food Pantry Supervisor at 832.553.1675.